As the annual Medicare Open Enrollment rolls in this October 15, Multnomah County reminds its residents that free helping hands are available before they make vital health care decisions. Changes to Medicare health and drug plans are as certain as the changing seasons, but beneficiaries don’t have to navigate these changes alone. Helpful resources offered by the county aim to assist beneficiaries in understanding their options—because getting to grips with Medicare coverage choices can sometimes feel like a labyrinth.
Medicare recipients should have already marked their calendars to review the "Plan Annual Notice of Change" that, if all went according to the post office plan, landed in mailboxes by October 1. This crucial packet details the ins and outs of changes in insurance coverages or costs that come into effect starting January 1, 2025. For Medicare beneficiaries juggling questions about coverage, "www.medicare.gov" offers a platform to compare and enroll in plans. At the same time, the Oregon State Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) provides a tailored guide to Oregon's plans at "shiba.oregon.gov." Multnomah County's announcement emphasizes these resources as essential first steps for a well-informed choice.
The Multnomah County SHIBA program strives beyond what's on paper, offering free one-on-one counseling. It serves as a guiding light to those wading through the Medicare maze. Whether evaluating plan changes or comparing the new horde of Medicare plans available in 2025, Multnomah County is pitching in with SHIBA counselors armed with unbiased information. "SHIBA is so valuable to our community," said John Henry Crippen, the Multnomah County SHIBA program supervisor, stated, as per Multnomah County News, "When people needing help with Medicare get connected to the SHIBA program, they are so relieved to discover that there are free, unbiased, experts in their corner."
They will provide Medicare Open Enrollment assistance across community sites throughout October, but attendees must register for these valuable one-on-one counseling sessions. Just give me a ring at 503-988-3646—and schedule that all-important appointment.
